Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Security Cameras (2024)

Advantages for Security Cameras

Pros 1: Deter Crime

As will be shown, security cameras can dissuade property damage while reducing crimes like trespassing and burglary. According to the FBI, property crime was 85% of all crimes in the United States during 2019, with around 7 million reported and documented. In a constant trend, that number in years prior had been consistently falling and reduced further in 2020. While various factors contribute to such a trend, the implementation of security camera systems undoubtedly has had an effect on preventing criminal activity like property crime. According to a study by UNC,outdoor security camerasreduce the chance of property crime by at least half. Furthermore, studies by Rutgers University and the Urban Institute have recorded surveillance reducing crime in areas they were installed. Such evidence proves that surveillance has an extensive effect by benefiting homes and businesses.

Pros 2: Monitor Scenarios and Activities

When away from the home or business, there might always be a worry that something might happen. Especially for parents, thoughts of your family’s condition or how your kids are doing with the babysitter might be weighing heavy on your mind. Surveillance, especiallyindoor security cameras, help to provide peace of mind when away from home by giving the mother or father the ability to make checkups as frequently as needed. Furthermore, when you own a larger plot of land or multiple pieces of property, securing the perimeter or general location becomes much easier. Furthermore, modern software allows for phone alerts when a camera detects something unusual based on specific parameters.

Similarly, for business owners, the ability to regularly check up on daily business practices is a regular ability for those with security cameras. Such an ability allows managers and business owners to be offsite for whatever reason while regular staff can handle onsite work. Furthermore, managing parties can keep tabs on stock, customer interactions, and more even when away.

Pros 3: Gather Evidence

Having cameras installed in strategic places comes in handy when you need to monitor actions and words of people or during an event.Modern security camerasare not only equipped with high-quality video capabilities, but audio as well. The clear images coupled with flawless sound makes them more efficient than ever at recording a series of happenings.

This is particularly helpful when dealing with a legal scenario, wherein the eye witness may have forgotten a certain important detail or may be providing with an accurate account of what really transpired. With a security camera, the legal authorities can see the series of events as they really unfolded.

Pros 4: Arrive at the Right Decisions

Footage from security cameras can help you make correct and fair decisions when settling disputes, both in domestic as well as professional scenarios. Whether it is dealing with a situation involving disagreements within your family, among your employees, or between a customer and your service staff, your doubts can be laid to rest with the help of your camera.

Incorrect, inappropriate or fabricated claims made by customers or other authorities can be sorted out when you make your security camera your ally.

Pros 5: Maintain Records

Security cameras are an excellent option when looking to keep a record of the goings-on in or around a business. Also applicable for homes, surveillance easily monitors how events transpire, how accidents or unintended events may go, and can be used as a reference for future consideration. Businesses can use cameras to monitor incoming traffic, especially with the help ofaccess controlandsecurity turnstiles, while homeowners can maintain a record of whom visit their property. Furthermore, as mentioned above in Pros 2 and 3, negative interactions, unfortunate accidents, or criminal activity can be recorded for the benefit of a legal team.

Disadvantages for Security Cameras

Cons 1: Privacy Is an Issue

While security cameras can be watchful for threats, illegal behavior, or aggressive behavior, surveillance will also inevitably record everything in their vision.Dome security cameras, for example, are commonly placed in offices and warehouses. Schools, as another example, typically featuresecurity cameras to monitor parking lotsand keep the perimeter secure. However, such surveillance inevitably records everyone ingoing and outgoing through the school. Furthermore, facial recognition andlicense plate recognition security cameras(LPR) have an extensive capability to focus on specific qualities when within their view.

Cons 2: It Can be a Costly Affair

A traditional security camera system provides excellent support to the security of any home or business but can entirely be expensive. The implementation of security cameras typically requires running cables, as referenced in apast post, and includes extensive labor and multiple products to implement successfully. While that does not necessarily apply to smaller systems and wireless cameras, initial installation typically brings with it a heftier price tag. However, such an implementation also produces an excellent result in that a hardwired system typically lasts an owner for several years beyond the wireless options. Furthermore, the wires connecting the cameras to the recorder last for decades, being usable years after the cameras have been replaced multiple times.

Cons 3: They Can be Vulnerable

At the end of the day, the average security camera is an electronic device. As we all know, too much of an impact or water in the wrong area can effectively disable a security camera. Outdoor security cameras feature an effective exterior to defend themselves against standard weather patterns, but if the wind carries debris that impacts the camera, strikes around it with lightning, or a nefarious person tampers with it, the camera could be disabled. While some products may be more effective than others, certain conditions or events will always be capable of neutralizing electronics in general.

Cons 4: Can’t Stop Theft

It is true, security cameras deter thieves, but they will not have much effect on those that are determined to commit a crime. A security camera system should thereby be viewed as both a part of a more significant security system meant to deter criminal activity and a form of deterrence by itself. However, they are indeed capable of helping to gather evidence around crimes that may occur under their watch. While they may not do much to outright thwart anything, they can capture everything that happens. Furthermore, security cameras can also provide alerts upon detecting events that occur, allowing you to contact the authorities when made aware of a crime committed against you.

Pros & Cons Of Public Security Cameras: Conclusion

As shown, there is quite a bit to consider when discussing security cameras and the factors that play into considering them. As it stands now, around twenty percent of American residents feature them in or around their households and a majority of businesses feature them throughout. When looking for more information on such products or systems, you cancontact A1 Security Camerasto get the best idea about what the best choice is for you. Our team has extensive knowledge of each product we feature and can easily give you detailed information about everything we offer.

Related Articles:

• What are the Advantages of Outdoor Security Cameras?

Sources:

• Rutgers:https://www.rutgers.edu/news/rutgers-study-finds-alarm-systems-are-valuable-crime-fighting-tool
• Urban:https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/publication/27546/412401-Evaluating-the-Use-of-Public-Surveillance-Cameras-for-Crime-Control-and-Prevention-A-Summary.PDF
• MTAS:https://www.mtas.tennessee.edu/knowledgebase/there-empirical-evidence-surveillance-cameras-reduce-crime